Aaron Hobbs to lead RISE group

Aaron Hobbs is the new president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment). Hobbs takes the helm of the Washington, D.C.- based national trade association representing manufacturers, formulators, distributors and others in the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry. He follows the 20-year term of respected RISE leader Allen James who retired on Aug. 31.

Hobbs served as the association’s president-elect from June 1 – Aug. 31, and has been the RISE director of legislative affairs and grassroots outreach since March 2009. “Our decision to promote Aaron Hobbs to the position of president comes after a long and thoughtful process,” said Joshua H. Weeks, past chairman of the RISE Governing Board who led the search committee. “Aaron understands the important work of RISE and brings his considerable energy and creativity to our association and its most critical issues.”

In his new role, Hobbs is responsible for the leadership and management of the association, which is an affiliate of CropLife America. He will serve as the association’s spokesperson and industry advocate. Hobbs will oversee a staff of four, focusing on government and regulatory affairs, communications and member services.

Dan Rosenbaum, chairman of the RISE Governing Board said, “Aaron brings the vision, leadership skills and enthusiasm the Board wanted in a new association executive and we are pleased to have someone of his caliber leading the association into the future. He knows RISE and understands what it will take to continue its success as well as address its challenges.” Prior to joining RISE, Hobbs served as director of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. He has also served in past positions as an International trade economist and presidential management fellow with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agriculture Service, and as a resource economist with USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Originally from Kaufman, Texas, Hobbs graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agricultural economics.

“Representing the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry presents both opportunities and challenges,” Hobbs said. “I’m honored to get to work with RISE’s outstanding Governing Board and passionate member volunteers and allies to advance our industry and its reputation.”

Located in Washington, D.C., RISE is the national association representing the manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other industry leaders involved with pesticide and fertilizer products used in turf, ornamental, pest control, aquatic and terrestrial vegetation and other non-food/fiber applications. Learn more about RISE at www.pestfacts.org and www.debugthemyths.com.